Poison Ivy

"Heal Your Body, The Mental Causes for Physical Illness and the Metaphysical Way to Overcome Them" by Louise L. Hay First published in 1976. Thanks Louise!

Problem: Poison Ivy
Probable Cause: Feeling defenseless and open to attack.
New Thought Pattern: I am powerful, safe and secure. All is well.

Problem: Rash (I love this one... =)
Probable Cause: Irritation over delays. Babyish way to get attention. ;-)
New Thought Pattern: I love and approve of myself. I am at peace with the process of life.

If you don't already have this book in your library, I HIGHLY recommend it. I've had it for years battered and beaten, replaced and shared. Once I diagnose a health "challenge" and go to the doctor and get drugs (only if absolutely necessary), I consult Louise's advice on how to address any underlying metaphysical causes. Can't hurt, right?! What's the harm in repeating... "I love and approve of myself. I am at peace with the process of life. I am powerful, safe and secure, all is well."  Right!? If the shoe fits, great, if not, so what, move on.

So I went weed pulling in the back yard Thursday afternoon... by Friday I noticed some small blisterish bumps between my index and middle finger on both hands. I had gloves on... I wasn't too worried. By Saturday I noticed itchy spots under my bangs and on my neck. FUCK! Growing up in Colorado I never came across any poisonous nasty plants. However, poison oak found me when I went hiking nearly every weekend at Thomas Aquinas College near the Los Padres National Forest (search Punch Bowls Ojai, CA). My roommate got blood poisoning, a scary dark line from her wrist up to her elbow. It never smacked me around too badly but I know the basics... do NOT take a hot shower... don't pop the blisters... don't scratch... apply calamine... rinse and repeat, the simple basics.

So this time it's just a bit annoying and a reason to relax and take care of myself. Oh and NOTICE everything I touch and what touches me and be more aware of my body than ever! The gift of awareness, thanks poison ivy... or sumac or oak or whatever... I know what you look like, I'm onto you now. And I'm now OH SO aware of my every movement... sitting, standing, sleeping, walking... every move I make, basically. Holy Shit!

Anyway, I went to urgent care because since my fav doc, Andrea Carrasco, changed her practice focus I haven't found a replacement primary care physician... The twenty something cute as a button urgent care doctor gave me a script for Prednisone... I normally would be heroic and martyr-like and tough it out with calamine lotion for a bit longer. Fuck that! I know this drill well enough to know I'd rather move on, the faster the better.  I did mention to the sweet nurse, Darcy, (that checked my birthdate for the umpteenth time and verified I am who I am) that I needed a new primary and she happily and quickly recommended Maggie. Awesome. So I now have a new primary, already made the appointment. Thanks poison ivy... 

So the shit itches like fucking crazy god damnit! I'm just grateful it hasn't spread more and it should be gone in a few days. Nothing like a health or physical challenge or upset to force awareness and gratitude down your throat. Thanks again!

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